Chiefs Vs Jaguars: Final Headlines, X Factors

The time for talking is almost done before Sunday’s kickoff. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Overall, Jacksonville is looking go to 3-1 against AFC West teams this season, in hopes of an upset victory on Sunday. As for the Chiefs, Kansas City has a real chance to separate themselves further in the AFC West, as a win on Sunday would move them to 7-2.

We have discussed key matchups and gameplans all week long. What are the final headlines to watch for before Sunday’s kickoff? We will list those, along with players to watch for, who could be viewed as under the radar x factors entering the game from both the Chiefs and the Jaguars. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Can Lawrence Build Momentum?

It has been a rollercoaster season for Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He sparked a comeback victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. But for most of October, the Clemson product was on a steady decline. His throwing base was wonky, his inability to read defenses put his team in holes and there were times when his situational awareness was lacking. Items like anticipation and accuracy were part of the reason as to why Lawrence was so highly coveted for his eventual entry into the NFL Draft. When that lacks, it appears that the rest of his game suffers even more.

There is likely no chance that the Jaguars move on from him after the season. Nonetheless, this second half of the 2022 season will be extremely vital for Lawrence moving forward. Can he build momentum and remind people of why Jacksonville drafted him first overall in 2021? Improving on the little things and taking what is given to him would be a nice start. What does Sunday have in store against a physical and faster defense like the Chiefs?

Chiefs Look For More Consistency Offensively

Patrick Mahomes has been able to come through in clutch situations. Moreover, he currently leads the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He has been exceptional. Yet, there is still room for more fine-tuning in his game, and with the Chiefs offense in general.

Kansas City has yet to see consistent results on early downs, from the offensive line and from the running game. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce are enjoying tremendous success as pass catchers. But, the Chiefs are seeing a lack of constant production from other pass catchers. Surely, some expectation of spreading the wealth was there going into the season. Will the Chiefs be able to complete a strong offensive performance from start to finish this week? A slow start like last week cannot continue to happen.

Do Not Get Caught Sleeping

Starting fast is not just important for the Chiefs offense, but for the Jaguars offense as well. Kansas City has historically been able to crawl out of holes. Even with that, Mahomes and company cannot take this Jacksonville defense lightly. For starters, the Jaguars have plenty of speed as a pass rush and as a front seven. Defensive back Tyson Campbell is a ballhawk that is not as well known by casual NFL fans.

On the flip side, the Chiefs boast plenty of tricks with their defensive scheme. Given Lawrence’s recent struggles at reading defenses, Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may throw a multitude of pressure packages his way. The trio of rookie cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams, are beginning to get more confident and comfortable as well. Despite the youth and bit of inexperience still involved with these two defenses, they can change momentum for their respective team at any moment.

X Factors

Chiefs DT Khalen Saunders

As we have seen this season, Khalen Saunders has broken out and earned more playing time. Last week against the Tennessee Titans, he was contributing in a variety of ways. His instincts and impressive quickness allowed him to get a late sack in a crucial moment. Elsewhere, Saunders continues to improve as a run defender, when working against opposing blockers. He will face a stiff test in Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. Can Saunders mitigate Etienne’s production by controlling the line of scrimmage once again?

Jaguars WR Zay Jones

Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones has become a bit of a possession-type of pass catcher in the Jacksonville offense. Largely being used on short-to-intermediate routes, in-breaking patterns and crossing routes, Jones acts as a security blanket for Lawrence. His vertical stretch ability and long speed should not be forgotten. However, we have yet to see the Jaguars use him in that mold for much of the season. Because of his size and comfort in contested catch situations, Jones could be able to match the length and physicality of the Kansas City rookie cornerbacks.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco

Despite leaning on Mahomes, the Chiefs must be able to get the running game going in the second half of the season. If not, their attack could become too predictable for opposing defenses. With the lack of trust being shown in Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a ballcarrier, Isiah Pacheco could be counted on to get this rushing attack rolling. Pacheco is known for his contact balance, mass and powerful strides. With the Jaguars possessing plenty of speed at linebacker, Pacheco could be the man who wears Jacksonville down.

Jaguars SAF Andre Cisco

Andre Cisco is a versatile safety who continues to get better on the back end for Jacksonville. With his mix of range, athleticism and ball skills, Kansas City will have to be careful when throwing his way. The Chiefs must also be aware of where he is aligned at all times. Cisco can thrive as a single-high safety over the top, in shallow areas and in the middle of the field as robber when Jacksonville uses man coverage. Additionally, the Jaguars have to be encouraged with the improving instincts and play recognition of Cisco, as a whole.

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs recap articles and analysis following Sunday’s game. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.